Finding a good lawyer is like finding a needle in a
    haystack. Where do you begin? I suggest you follow the
    "Four E's". Education. Expertise. Ethics. Education.

    1. Education.

    Where and when did the attorney receive his legal
    education? Is it a reputable school that turns out well-
    prepared attorneys?

    Has the attorney continued his education after law
    school?  The State Bar of Texas requires all attorneys to
    take at least 15 hours of continuing education each year.
    Attorneys wishing to show expertise in a particular area
    as a specialization must go beyond that requirement. To
    be a specialist, an attorney must demonstrate high
    percentage of practice in an area, receive references from
    other attorneys and Judges, take a minimum 25 hours of
    continuing education per year, and pass a written
    examination on the law of that area. This is called
    BOARD CERTIFICATION.

    2. Experience.

    How long and successfully has the attorney been
    practicing in the area of law you need? Have they shown
    any proficiency or expertise in that area? Has the attorney
    written articles or spoken at educational seminars? Is the
    lawyer active in Bar organizations and committees?

    3. Ethics.

    Ethics are very important. Any attorney willing to bend
    the rules FOR you, will also bend them AGAINST you.
    An attorney with a reputation for ethics will treat you
    correctly. At the same time, opposing counsel and the
    Court will more readily listen to and work with such an
    attorney.

    The only available methods of checking the ethics of an
    attorney are to ask opposing counsel or check the
    disciplinary history with the State Bar. The disciplinary
    history lets you know if the attorney has been in trouble
    for violating ethical guidelines in the past. You may check
    the disciplinary history of any attorney in the State of
    Texas by clicking on the following link.


    4. Explanation.

    It doesn't do any good for an attorney to know all of the
    law and it's implications, but not share it with you. Some
    attorneys are not very good at communicating and
    explaining. It is your case. It is your life. You need to
    understand how to make the best decision possible. It is
    important to find a lawyer who will take the time to
    answer your questions, and even give you answers to
    questions you haven't asked but need to know.
JOHN E. SMITH&
ASSOCIATES,P.C.
Helping People With Debt
Since 1983
Bankruptcy
is all  we do.
HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD LAWYER
This Law Office files bankruptcies for residents  of Houston, Friendswood, Pearland, Galveston,
League City, Dickinson, Clear Lake, Pasadena, Pearland, LaPorte, Texas City, Channelview, Seabrook,
Katy, Sugarland, Fulshear, Waller, Friendswood, Hempstead, College Station, Pearland,
Friendswood,Bryan, and the entire Southern District of Texas.